The NRMA has earmarked $10 million for the establishment of Australia’s largest electric-vehicle fast-charging network, suitable for a range of electric vehicles and free for NRMA members.
The investment will deliver at least 40 chargers, more than double the size of the current network of chargers in NSW and the ACT.
“There has been under-investment in the electric-vehicle market in Australia, so the NRMA is stepping in to develop a network to support the adoption and rollout of electric vehicles in Australia,” NRMA Chair Kyle Loades said.
The announcement follows release of a new NRMA report, ‘The Future is Electric’, which highlights the move towards electric vehicles globally. The report reveals that while electric vehicles have been more expensive than conventional vehicles, this is quickly changing, especially with the mass production of more efficient batteries.
Mr Loades says countries around the world have committed to phasing out petrol and diesel propulsion, with manufacturers and technology companies rapidly moving towards an electric and automated future.
“Our research has highlighted that a lack of charging infrastructure is the single greatest barrier identified by NRMA members to purchasing an electric vehicle,” he said.
“There are simply not enough chargers in public places to make electric vehicles viable for longer journeys, and the NRMA’s investment will change this forever.
“The NRMA’s core purpose is to keep people moving, and this initiative to remove obstacles to the adoption of electric vehicles and give motorists peace of mind will do exactly that.
“The network will deliver significant benefits for members and the community, removing the barrier of fuel costs, investing in renewable energy and supporting tourism by unlocking regional locations that are currently inaccessible to electric vehicles.”
The NRMA is taking a phased approach to the rollout of the network, with initial charger sites to include Sydney, the Blue Mountains, the ACT, the Illawarra, Mid North Coast and Newcastle.
The organisation is calling for potential partners, such as local councils and community groups, to express interest in working with the NRMA to bring a charger to their area. Visit mynrma.com.au/future-is-electric to find out more about the network and register your interest as a potential partner.
